30.04.202607:20:54UTC+00European Stocks Slide to Three-Week Lows

European stock markets traded mostly lower on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 down 1% to a three-week low and the broader STOXX 600 losing 0.6%. Investors weighed the latest developments in the Iran conflict, scrutinized fresh economic data and corporate earnings, and positioned themselves ahead of upcoming monetary policy decisions from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England.

Brent crude climbed to new four-year highs following reports that the US military would brief President Donald Trump on possible action against Iran, heightening fears of renewed armed conflict and a prolonged blockade of Iranian ports.

In corporate news, Stellantis fell 7% after reporting weak first-quarter revenue, while Volkswagen slipped 2% on softer sales and Crédit Agricole dropped 5% after missing revenue expectations. ArcelorMittal declined 1.7% even though it beat earnings-per-share forecasts, and BNP Paribas lost 4% despite posting strong revenue. By contrast, Standard Chartered gained 2.5% on record profits, Unilever was little changed on robust sales figures, and Glencore added 0.4% after reporting upbeat trading results.